Kieren Perkins Headlines At Kingfisher Bay

FRASER ISLAND: Considered by many to be the best distance freestyler ever, Olympian Kieren Perkins will be showing his prowess out of the pool as he joins the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce as guest speaker for their biannual Fraser Island long lunch on November 22.

Brisbane-born Perkins burst onto the international sporting scene in 1991, winning the 400, 800, and 1,500 metres at the Pan-Pacific swimming meet - setting a world record of 7:47.85 in the 800 in the process. He would become a dual Olympic gold medallist just six years later and go on to hold 18 Australian records, 11 world records, and three Commonwealth records during his outstanding sporting career.

Perkins' domination of the 1500 metre freestyle event looked to be over during the run up to the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. He barely made the Olympic team and then qualified for the 1500 metre final with the slowest time. It was in the race he proved his incredible strength, determination and athleticism to the world. Blitzing the field, he won a truly memorable gold medal, his outstanding victory capturing the hearts of Australia.

Since his retirement from swimming, Kieren has been transferring his knowledge and experience in creating sustainable elite performance to businesses around the world. He was an integral member of the successful Australian delegation sent to Monaco in 1993 to bid for the 2000 Olympics, which Sydney went on to host.

Kieren also serves on multiple boards in corporate, government and not-for-profit capacities including The Australian Sports Commission, Swimming Australia Ltd, the ANZCA Foundation, Painaustralia Ltd and NFP Online. He has also taken on a new challenge as State Manager for NAB Private Wealth Qld and sits on the board of The Starlight Children's Foundation Australia - the chosen charity for this luncheon - and Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Chamber of Commerce Long Lunch tickets cost $100 for members, $120 for non-members or $1000 for a table of 10 and include a two-course lunch and private charter transfers aboard The Spirit of Hervey Bay from Urangan to Kingfisher at 12noon (the return launch leaves the resort at 1715). There will also be an auction on the day with all proceeds going to The Starlight Children's Foundation Australia. Seats are limited and can be booked with The Chamber of Commerce's Sharon Philp on 0428 725 662 or by downloading this form.

For those that want to make a night of it on the world's largest sand island, Kingfisher Bay Resort is offering a bed and breakfast deal for just $139* per room, twin share. Accommodation can be booked by calling 1800 FRASER (toll free in Australia) or emailing reservations and quoting 'Chamber of Commerce Long Lunch'.

*Some conditions apply. Accommodation is twin share and this rate is only available to ticket holders; not valid with existing bookings or offers.